Callie Khouri

Biography

Callie Khouri (born Carolyn Ann Khouri on November 27, 1957, in San Antonio, Texas) is an acclaimed American screenwriter, director, and producer, most famously known for her Academy Award-winning screenplay for Thelma & Louise. Throughout her career, Khouri has consistently championed strong female narratives, leaving an indelible mark on both film and television.

Early Life and Artistic Aspirations:

Though born in Texas, Khouri was raised in Kentucky. Her interest in the performing arts blossomed during her high school years, where she actively participated in school plays. After initially studying landscape architecture at Purdue University, she shifted her focus to drama. Khouri eventually moved to Los Angeles, where she honed her acting skills at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute while working various jobs, including as a receptionist and later a production assistant for commercials and music videos. It was during this period that she began to channel her creative energy into screenwriting.

Thelma & Louise: A Groundbreaking Success:

Khouri's first produced screenplay, Thelma & Louise (1991), became an instant cultural phenomenon and a landmark in feminist cinema. The story of two women who embark on a liberating road trip that spirals into a flight from justice resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The film, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, earned Khouri widespread acclaim, including:

• Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay (1992)
• Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay - Motion Picture
• Writers Guild of America Award for Best Original Screenplay

The film's impact was so significant that it was inducted into the Library of Congress National Film Registry in 2016, cementing its status as a timeless classic.

Expanding Her Craft: Directing and Television:

Following the success of Thelma & Louise, Khouri continued to write for film, including Something to Talk About (1995), starring Julia Roberts. She made her directorial debut with the film adaptation of Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002), a box office success. She also directed Mad Money (2008) and the television movie Patsy & Loretta (2019).

In the realm of television, Khouri achieved further widespread recognition as the creator, writer, and executive producer of the critically acclaimed drama series Nashville (2012-2018). The show, set in the vibrant world of country music, explored the lives and careers of its female protagonists with depth and nuance, once again highlighting Khouri's commitment to compelling female-driven narratives.

Advocacy and Legacy:

Beyond her creative work, Callie Khouri is a vocal advocate for various causes, including gun control and women's rights. She has served on the Writers Guild of America board of directors and the board of trustees of the Writers Guild Foundation. In 2014, she was honored by the United States' National Women's History Museum.

Married to musician and producer T Bone Burnett since 2006, Callie Khouri continues to be an influential figure in Hollywood, pushing boundaries and telling stories that empower and entertain. Her work is a testament to her unique voice and her unwavering dedication to bringing authentic and powerful female characters to the screen.